Just wanted to say: thank you for your insightful and thoughtful review of this album. Infidels has always been one of my favourite Bob Dylan albums. I feel it is very under rated. Your analysis of this fine album was much appreciated.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jamie. I very much appreciate your kind words. Yes this is yet another in a long series of outstanding albums by Dylan....with more to come! ;-)

@messano7

3 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver I enjoyed your insights!!! You have to have a good sense of God's Spirit to make those analogies. Especially with the track.. Sweet Heart Like You. I've always looked at the women as God's bride or many souls that have been duped by false religious leaders. The refection at the stagnate pool is the Brazen Lavor in God's tabernacle.(second piece of furniture where the priests purified themselves before fullfilling their duties) The Saints sees God's reflection in the(lavor) water. Those who sell out to Lucifer see their own selfish face in the pool. Stagnate is very smelly and has parasites!!! lol

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

@@messano7 Thanks for the info on the Brazen Lavor re. the reflection in the stagnant pool. I appreciate getting additional insight into these marvelous lyrics. Thanks again, Tony. Cheers! Jeff

@messano7

3 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver You are very welcome Jeff! You are a man of God given insights and I wish we could have some in depth talks. There would be a lot of treasure revealed I am sure of that!

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

@@messano7 Indeed sir, indeed! Maybe one day.... Jeff

I consider this a "Janus-album" in that it looks in two directions and is positioned between two clear trilogies.

@CalicoSilver

2 жыл бұрын

Good way of looking at it, yes.

infidels is one of my most listened to cds.great review.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Michael.

Love your approach to your Dylan reviews been binging them all day Hope all is well ☺ 🙏

@CalicoSilver

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks Curtis!! I really appreciate your encouraging comment. Comments like these keep me going with this channel. Thanks again. Jeff

WOW what a FANTASTIC Review. Really enjoyed your take on this album. Well Done!!

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Kurt. Sometimes I hesitate to divulge some of my thoughts and interpretations of Dylan's poetry, because as we all know, no one other than Dylan (and perhaps not even he) can know for sure what some of these songs are about. So I sometimes just suck it in and "go for it" and make a video of my thoughts, realizing that there will be people who will roll their eyes sometimes! Haha! But hey, the point is to express enthusiastic appreciation for this great artist and his work, not to be "right" all the time. Thanks so much for your always kind and encouraging comments, Kurt!

@kurt8matthew

4 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver You're very welcome and I look forward to Empire Burlesque.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

@@kurt8matthew Haha!! I don't think that those words have ever been spoken in that order before: "I look forward to Empire Burlesque". But all kidding aside, I look forward to it also!

Ive become a major fan of yours Calico. You have created a podcast/you tube thing that is fascinating. I dont bother with television anymore since I have discovered you tube and internet. Im kind of a late bloomer in that sense. I even purchased CD's and portable cd players while everyone had switched to internet for music. But that was one thing, unlike television, that I disagreed with. The art, and the patience of truly listening to an album by musicians who spent countless hours making an album to be listened to from begining to end. Thats where I am a fan of how truly into the music, especially Dylan, you are. I like the feel of your backdrop. Like being in a radio station or professors study. You remind me of the hippies who become schoolteachers of social theory. And it relaxes me along with aiding me in my recovery from drug addiction. Like the bands and musicians you review. Thanks.

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Eric. I very much appreciate your kind and encouraging words. I agree with you 100% about listening to albums as a whole, whether via physical or digital sources. And yes I do think art like Dylan's is worthy of the time we put into it. The more put in, the more we get out of it. Your comment really inspires me, Eric. And all my best wishes to you in your continued recovery. Sincerely, Jeff.

I bought “Infidels” it came out in 83’ and really liked it, and played it all time. Except for “Neighborhood Bully”, I didn’t really have much of a clue as to what the lyrics were about - even “Union Sundown” was a bit of a seemingly mixed message.. but I loved the music, and as John Lennon once said of Dylan, “It’s not what he says, It’s the way he says it”.. but it was quite interesting to hear your analysis and insight as to what the songs were about, especially because it was hailed in the press at the time as being his return to secular, non religious subject matter. But I think that your interpretations are probably pretty close to the mark. Nice video..

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas. Thanks for your comments.

Great review, my personal favourite album of Bob. I´m a big fan of Mark Knopfler also so this colab for me is amazing.

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed, one of his best....but then again, it seems like I say that about most of his albums! Haha. Thanks for your comment.

Great review. I will be checking out some more of your videos.

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Stephen. I am happy that people are enjoying these "reviews" of these great albums. That was my intention. Cheers. Jeff

Classic album, the remaster sounds great...

@Mythologos

2 жыл бұрын

Remaster is def. miles ahead of the original.

Hey Jeff nice translation on Jokerman. First time I saw Bob was at the State theater in Kalamazoo, Mi. and he opened up with Jokerman. He will definitley go down in history as the greatest singer and songwriter ever in my opinion.

@CalicoSilver

2 жыл бұрын

I agree wholeheartedly, Jerry!

@ArtyFactual_Intelligence

7 ай бұрын

Sadly your opinion will not go down in history, but Dylan is the best (most important) American of the past 'forever'. Nobody else is even close.

now i have to go and listen to infidels again...great insight....peace....rocky

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Great album!!

I'm a big Dylan fan that my man is spot on

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Shaun! Great album, isn't it? Best regards...Jeff

@kevinbradley7606

3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Review 👍

I see you have a lot of Dylan related reading material. Ever read Aidan Day's book 'Jokerman'? Some interesting insights into the song there. That "stuck in a painting hanging in the Louvre" line at the close of the album is the only flash of humour on a deadly serious record. Makes it stand out a mile. I'd be interested to hear your take on why it's called 'Infidels'. Maybe a video on album titles alone?

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

Jonathan, I haven't read even a FRACTION of all the Dylan books out there. Just the basics, the major bios, his autobio, the Ratso Sloman book, the Paul Williams books, and several others. But I do not consider myself in any way a Dylan historian or biographical expert, not even close. Still, I might be interested in that Jokerman book..... Infidels....well, I think the whole album is about deception by dubious religious and other so-called leaders.....so either "infidels" refers to people who don't adhere to the true interpretations of their faiths, or to those who think they do but don't, or to those who act against faiths, or just a general term to refer to all the manipulative, deceptive, controlling forces out there. Who knows? That is why I think it is a brilliant idea for a title. And what a brilliant album too. How about you?

I love it. Jokerman is high on my Dylan list..Sweetheart Like you as well.....a beautiful song....I and I is so powerful......I love Neighborhood Bully a rocking song......love the album....actually the one that brought me back to Dylan......a masterpiece.....

@CalicoSilver

Жыл бұрын

I plan to "review" Jokerman in a separate video soon....."soon" meaning this year sometime, haha. I've already reviewed Sweetheart Like You (with my take on it, anyway). I love Neighborhood Bully too, and the whole album too. Definitely one of the best of his '80s albums. Thanks, Gibby!

@gibby6904

Жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver thank you Jeff! I'm really enjoying your videos...we share the same taste in music obviously......Im nowhere as educated as you....Im a high-school guy who retired from Frito-Lay but Im keeping up....😃

@CalicoSilver

Жыл бұрын

@@gibby6904 Educated doesn't equal intelligent. I have discovered that in my life. The most "educated" people I know are the most ignorant about things that matter. Haha!

@gibby6904

Жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver lol....yeah I've definitely met a few educated meatheads.....but...you're a pretty sharp guy....

“Protect My Child” is one of Dylan’s greatest songs and he left it off the Album. Only His Bobness would do that….😊

@CalicoSilver

4 ай бұрын

True. But then again, he thought Shot Of Love was a good album, so….. 😂

@demonsbutterfly

4 ай бұрын

@@CalicoSilverShot of Love is one of my all time favourite Dylan albums!! A great rocking Garage Band behind him

This album could have been much better with some of the outtakes on the official release, especially Foot Of Pride and the exeptionel Blind Willie McTell. My interpretation of Jokerman is, that this is Dylan's comment about Joseph Campbell's famous theory of mythology in "Hero With A Thousand Faces".

@CalicoSilver

2 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed, what a GREAT (or greater, anyway) album it would have been with those outtakes included, I agree 100%. Oooh, good call on the Joseph Campbell reference. Interesting. Thanks! Jeff

@SH-ud8wd

2 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver ;-)

I always interpreted "Jokerman" as about Christ but also about those who use his name (and religious beliefs in general) as a means to advance themselves. Maybe not though. Good review. How does the live version of "I and I" and ""License to Kill" that appear on "Real Live" compare with the versions included here? I ordered "Real Live" but it hasn't arrived yet. It should be here tomorrow.

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

I love "Jokerman" very much, not only for its music but for the great lyrics that can be interpreted as either being Christ, or Preachers, etc., or an AntiChrist, or believers in general, or all kinds of things. Just a marvelous lyric. The Real Live versions of those two songs you mention are actually very good. I happen to like the album versions the most, but those live versions are excellent as well - I think you'll like them.

@brandiepowell7774

3 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver That's what I love about a lot of his lyrics. They are dense and rich for multiple interpretations.

Good Album but hampered by a sterile production.I Also thought it was a shame that he left one of his greatest songs off the album Blind Willie McTell .Anyway another fine review Jeff cheers

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Yep the omission of Blind Willie McTell has been bemoaned by many fans. Great song. But I think the album is just perfect the way it is. Yeah, the production (Knopfler and Bob, I believe) and the rather dated rhythm section of Sly & Robbie, contribute to a bit of dated sound here. But still, what a great album! Thanks, Jeff

@svenknutsen8937

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'd trade "Don't Fall Apart... for "Foot of Pride" and "Blind Willie McTell" (the piano version on "Bootleg Series vol. 3") any day of the week!

@pistachoone1958

2 жыл бұрын

I agree

I agree, there is a lot of interpretations possible. Thats what makes Dylan a major poet of our time. On top of music and lyrics is Dylans ability to match the right mucisians to his productions. A Dylan Infidels produced 2021 would be very interesting. I think it would be cutting edge one more time. As I see it we live in times of a civilisation crises, and that's a possible interpretation of Dylans infidels too. Dont say the artist didnt report his observations back into society in time. The 6 of jan 2021 have happened already.

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a GREAT idea.....Infidels revisited in 2021 with the EXCELLENT band he has had over these most recent years. I agree, Henriette. Dylan has always surrounded himself with superb musicians who have, for the most part, been sympathetic to his dynamic performance and recording styles. I think that the finest PRODUCER he's had has been Dylan himself, and also that fellow named "Jack Frost". ;-) Thanks for your great comments - I really appreciate them. Yes, I agree that Dylan had his finger on the "civilization crisis" for 6 decades now. Definitely. Jeff

I'm not a fan of everything on Infidels but Jokerman is one of his best songs ever.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

I know, so true, Richie! It really does amaze me that we (or at least I) never hear more than the usual coupla songs of Dylan's on the classic rock radio stations. I just KNOW that many people who heard this great song for the first time would be interested in knowing more about Dylan. thanks. Jeff

@vinylrichie007

4 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver The video is also fantastic.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

@@vinylrichie007 You mean Dylan's video....or mine....? Hahaha!!

@vinylrichie007

4 жыл бұрын

@@CalicoSilver As soon as I sent this comment that entered my mind. I meant Dylan's but I thoroughly enjoyed yours.

I think the reason dyla not played on the radio is you listern to a bob song radio plays background music you work or drive with in the background

@CalicoSilver

3 жыл бұрын

Good point. I can't just LISTEN to a Dylan song....I gotta FOCUS....and it is better to focus on the road and other drivers, you are right! Haha.

This is weird (I guess), but this is maybe now my favourite Dylan album. Of course, I make my own playlist with outtakes and alternate takes, but there's so much killer material here. Unfortunately Dylan managed to kinda kill it in production or taking out songs, but this record is a high point if we consider all that could have been.

@CalicoSilver

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely marvelous album, indeed. I love it!

Oh I like the Jokerman interpretation. I was thinking it was about politicians using people’s belief in god to gain their support. Or TV Evangelists, won’t say any names, 😁 using people’s faith to fleece them of their money. I think your interpretation sounds a bit closer to what it could actually be. Nice one.

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

I REALLY enjoy Dylan's songs that seem to be fueled (at least somewhat) by his extensive knowledge of the Bible. Even albums like Modern Times are loaded with references to that book. I studied the Bible for many years (it is just interesting to me) and I easily pick up on things that seemingly relate to it, like so many of Dylan's songs. I know that some folks might get tired of my bringing it up all the time in these reviews, but it is just what I hear. Jokerman is a masterpiece, no matter how you interpret it!

@slumdogjay

4 жыл бұрын

CalicoSilver Never bothers me. Really enjoying your reviews.

very interesting observations. ranks up there in the most listened to for me as it was my first cassette and i spent a fair bit of time on the road so - everyday and all day lol...and for the first time, not in its entirety but one tune at a time, representing a new way......perhaps i was beginning to feel like an Infidel myself.....World Gone Wrong took over some time later.

@CalicoSilver

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! For some reason, whenever I put all of my Dylan albums on a flash drive for the car, Infidels ALWAYS ends up the album that starts playing first. I hear Infidels all the time too when driving. It is an excellent driving album to listen to because the dynamics are not so wide, and you can always hear everything even on noisy highway travel. And yes, I love World Gone Wrong also, and Good As I Been To You. There really is NO bad Dylan album......although I never listen to his Christmas album and I don't own the Wilbury albums or the Sinatra-ish crooner albums, so......haha!

Infidels one best albums Dylan made..rocks..lyrics as usual interesting...as are all the insights this album...Dylans vocals really solid!Snakes in fists I thought of Greek myth Hercules etc Jokerman amd references to Sodom etc 🤔 Abraham maybe whatever best let Dylan however interpret his own stuff !Although I could offer what may be true of the poetry!Dylan however didn't like hearing himself singing this song and told others to turn it off lol!Sweetheart like u a real gem of a song beautiful! Neighborhood bully obviously about Isreal!The rest of the album seems somewhat obvious what the themes are don't need to much explanation 🙄

@CalicoSilver

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, Robert. I enjoy trying to interpret Dylan's lyrics because it is a fun intellectual exercise, but of course I fully realize that I could be 180 degrees off of anything he intended (if he intended anything at all, haha!). Really great album, indeed. A tad '80s-ish in production for my taste, but the songs are marvelous. Thanks again! Jeff

Yes Infidels could be seen as the fourth in his gospel period but he seems to have lost faith in Jesus here.....for whatever reason

@CalicoSilver

4 жыл бұрын

HiJohn. As I detailed in the video, I think he more likely lost faith in the institution of organized religion (and the imperfect people behind it) rather than in Jesus per se. Maybe. It is definitely an interesting question. But I hear so many clear references to Jesus not only on "Infidels" but on successive albums, all the way up to at least "Tempest" even. (I have yet to listen much to the brand new album). Anyway, like I said in the "Infidels" review video, I think this album is all about the fragility of faith and how it is very important to not rely on religious (or government or whatever) leaders who can be manipulative and misguiding (wither intentionally or unintentionally) and who thereby pose a danger to one's faith, not only in spiritual things but in entities right here in this life. Dylan revisits this theme quite a number of times on his albums, which I find fascinating. Thanks again for viewing and commenting on my videos. Cheers. Jeff

Matlocks

I like the point about bookending the religious trilogy. I love Street, and Infidels and never even purchased the intervening dross. Dylan was crap when overly religious, IMO.

@CalicoSilver

7 ай бұрын

I don’t mind religious passion….I just can’t tolerate evangelical BS.

The Law and the Judges…

Wanted Man